Please don’t read this expecting a monologue on college experiences and future endeavors. I don’t know what comes after graduation. I don’t know what will become of my life. Honestly, I don’t know how to start this letter. I’ve tried several times.

Perhaps that’s a pattern. It may be the defining trait of my four years as a member of The Lion’s Roar. After all, I only became a staff member after becoming interested in the Manestream Podcast, blissfully unaware of the rigors of campus journalism. 

To even get that far, I enrolled at Southeastern in June 2022 after unenrolling from Northwestern State. That was the second choice; I wanted to go to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. I switched my major five times. 

I’ve never been quite sure of anything, leaving me with no choice but to give myself over to the faith in the unknown. Faith in my journey, whatever it will be.

I remember roaming the North Campus halls, helplessly searching for The Lion’s Roar’s office. During my trial assignment, I took notes on my computer because I was unsure how to best keep up with the information. I wrote my first story like an English paper, indents and all, with my personal thoughts imbued all throughout the article. 

Dr. Chelsea Slack and Symiah Dorsey had a field day, I’m sure.

I’m writing now as the editor-in-chief of our lovely newspaper, so at some point during all my meandering, I must’ve landed in a good spot. Still, I was quite clueless during my two years at the helm, perhaps more so than at any other point during my college career. This setup doesn’t seem like it would be indicative of success, and I certainly failed sometimes. 

I was indecisive, unimaginative and, at times, unavailable. My biggest regret from college is not being better for the office. 

We also succeeded quite often. That can’t be overlooked. I even believe we thrived.

During my time as editor, we prioritized our media streams, expanding our podcast content and increasing our social media presence. We popularized the open house and modernized our semesterly magazines. 

We published award-winning, timely stories on our website daily. The Louisiana Press Association and the Southeastern Journalism Conference honored several staff members, including me.

Most of all, we cultivated an inclusive, loving environment. My top priority was always to make every staff member feel loved and appreciated as a member of our Student Publications family. I believe we succeeded.

I had said the theme of my tenure was never knowing anything. Maybe that’s true. However, maybe the real takeaway is that having faith in your fellow human being is the catalyst for personal development and growth. 

My mom had faith I would work it out after suddenly unenrolling from Northwestern State. Dr. Slack had faith I could improve as a reporter, despite my lack of experience. 

All the editors and reporters I’ve worked with had faith I would be an effective leader. Mrs. Lorraine Peppo had faith in me every step of the way, from staff reporter, to news editor, to editor-in-chief. 

Even I, with my cynical self-perception, had faith I could make this journalism thing work, fighting through my fear of disappointment and inexperience to put out story after story after story. Their faith in me has paid in spades. I’m just happy it was a worthwhile investment.

Plus, I managed to figure out a few things. At the end of my freshman year, I chose to stay in The Lion’s Roar rather than SGA, because the office family was where I felt I most belonged. 

I’ve said this several times, and it bears repeating: The Lion’s Roar has the best people on campus. You will never find a group of people at Southeastern as kind, patient, generous, funny or encouraging as my amazing co-workers. 

For four years, I spent my time with these people, pursuing my passion for writing and editing. This office opened professional doors that would’ve otherwise remained locked. This office gave me purpose when I needed it. 

The Lion’s Roar has given me so many beautiful gifts. I will forever be indebted to the most wonderful office this world has to offer.

Before I conclude, I must show gratitude to everyone who helped me become who I am today.

Thank you to Mrs. Lorraine for entrusting me with this role. It has been the greatest honor of my life. Your guidance along the way was vital in my success as editor and in my personal development. Thank you, truly.

Thank you to Dr. Slack for having the utmost confidence in me. Your faith in me was staggering, and it forced me to hold myself in higher regard. 

Thank you to all the editors I’ve ever worked with. It was such a joy witnessing your collective dedication to the office. The reporters are very lucky to have you as mentors and friends. 

Thank you, in particular, to my partner and fellow editor, Roselyn Rivas. You made me a better leader and a better man. You were also excellent as our social media editor. I couldn’t be prouder of you. I’m overjoyed that I get to walk across the stage with you this Saturday.

Thank you to all the reporters, the backbone of the newsroom. Watching each of you grow and become seasoned reporters and leaders in your own right made being editor all the more rewarding. I can’t wait to see what you all accomplish in the future.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has read an article from The Lion’s Roar. The betterment of your campus experience is why we do what we do.

I really don’t know what I’m doing, or what will come after graduation. I hope I will continue to write and make a difference in people’s lives, though nothing is for certain. But I have faith. 

Faith in the unknown is a strenuous place to be in, but it is precisely what led me from Prairieville to Hammond, from staff reporter to editor-in-chief, from aimless student to college graduate. I got there on time, even with all the major switches.  

Having faith in myself and the people around me is what everyone has been trying to teach me over the past four years. I’m finally beginning to catch on.

This is Kennith RaShaun Woods II, editor-in-chief of The Lion’s Roar, signing out. Thank you and take care.